Letter from Comune di Matera: what it is and what to do
Letters from the Comune di Matera (Polizia Locale / Polizia Municipale) sent abroad are usually traffic fines: often ZTL or speed cameras. They are often written in Italian and may be sent by a collection agency on the city's behalf.
Is it real?
- It names the violation, the date, the time, the place and your plate.
- It gives an Italian bank account (IBAN) in the name of the Comune or its official agent.
- If in doubt, look up the Comune's official website and compare the payment details. Never pay through a link you did not check.
What to check on your fine
- Deadline: for drivers living abroad, the fine must be sent within 360 days of the violation being identified (art. 201 Italian Highway Code). For rental cars, the clock starts when the city receives your details from the rental company.
- Several fines the same day: since 14 December 2024, repeated entries through the same ZTL camera on the same day can count as one violation (art. 198, para. 2-bis).
- Plate, date and time: any error in vehicle, plate or time is grounds to dispute.
- Hotel registration: if your hotel was supposed to register your plate, ask it for proof.
- Signs and hours: compare the time on the fine with the hours in force that day.
Your options
- Pay within 5 days of notification: 30% discount, but paying ends any right to appeal.
- Appeal to the Prefetto: within 60 days, free, can be sent by certified email (PEC). If rejected, the amount can double.
- Appeal to the Justice of the Peace (Giudice di Pace): within 30 days (60 if you live abroad), €43 court fee.
Not sure if your fine is valid?
Send a photo of the fine. We check deadlines, data and grounds for appeal and prepare the appeal for you to file. €19.90 per fine, less for each additional fine.
Check my fineZTL fine in Matera? Check it before you pay
Updated: 2026-11-14. General information, not legal advice. Rules change: always check the official source.